Cinematography Studies Degree Program Information
Many people working in cinematography receive a lot of on-the job training. However, an associate, bachelor's or master's degree can help improve job prospects. In most degree programs, students receive a mix of theoretical and applied training.
Associate of Science in Film Production
Associate of Science in Film Production programs at community colleges teach students how to work with film and video cameras. Associate degree programs in filmmaking very rarely offer specialization tracks. However, training is provided in editing, directing, writing and cinematography. Students with an interest in becoming directors of photography learn how to load film into a camera and frame a shot that meets a student director's specifications and enhances the emotion of a scene. A film project is usually required for completion of the degree.
Educational Prerequisites
Applicants must hold either a high school diploma or GED. Community colleges have general education requirements that must be met by prospective students. In some cases scores for the ACT or SAT exam may be required.
Program Coursework
Associate degree programs typically focus on practical filmmaking techniques. Some classes may include:
- Sound design
- Film and video editing
- Basic film and video camera operation
- Lighting
- Set construction
- Acting
- Screenwriting
- Film history
Popular Career Options
Career options for graduates of an associate degree program in film production are limited. However, there are many production jobs that require very little formal training.
- Grip
- Gaffer
- Focus puller
- Camera operator
- Assistant director
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film
This undergraduate fine arts degree allows students to learn all aspects of filmmaking. Many BFA programs have concentrations in directing, editing, screenwriting, acting and cinematography. Cinematography combines technical acumen with the artistic process. Students learn how to use the film or video camera much in the same way a writer uses a pen. Emphasis is placed on lighting techniques that enhance the emotion and mood of a series of shots. Short films allow students to gain practical filmmaking experience; the final year is typically devoted to working with a directing student to create a thesis film.
Educational Prerequisites
Applicants must submit scores for either the ACT or SAT exam and include a short film or some other piece of artistic work with their application. Admissions committees want to see how creative a prospective student is and how well he or she can communicate ideas and emotions through a chosen medium. The artistic submission is considered to be the most important component of a film school application.
Program Coursework
Courses in film history, film genres and film theory are required in addition to classes that focus on the technical aspects of filmmaking.
- Film history
- Film noir
- Directing
- Film and video editing
- Lighting methods for film
- Cinematography
- Documentary film
- Film grammar
Popular Career Options
Graduates of a BFA program in filmmaking must be prepared to work in lower-level production jobs and work their way up into positions of more responsibility and artistic endeavor.
- Grip
- Gaffer
- Assistant director
- Camera operator
- Focus puller
- Director of photography
Master of Fine Arts in Film
A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree program in film is considered the terminal arts degree for students interested in pursing some facet of filmmaking. A cinematography major is chosen during the second year of enrollment. The first year is devoted to all aspects of filmmaking, including camera operation, editing, writing and directing. During this first year, cinematography students will have the opportunity to write, shoot and direct their own projects. The purpose of these short films is to learn about the different facets of filmmaking.
In the second and final years of enrollment, cinematography students will receive training in film and digital camera operation, film lighting techniques and digital cinematography. A cinematography student will learn how technical filmmaking tools, such as the camera and lighting equipment, can impact the quality, tone and emotional impact of a moving image.
Educational Prerequisites
Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in order to be considered for admission into an MFA in Film program. The undergraduate degree does not have to be in film production or film theory. Applicants must also submit letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose. A writing sample may also be required. The primary component of the application package is the portfolio. Many MFA programs request that prospective students submit a short film. The film will need to demonstrate an understanding of filmmaking and the creative process.
Program Coursework
Classes cover all of the technical aspects of cinematography but also include topics such as film theory and film history. The goal of the MFA in Film curriculum is to produce graduates who are well rounded.
- Lighting for motion pictures
- Television lighting techniques
- Digital cinematography
- Directing and cinematography
- Post-production techniques
- Film criticism
- Makeup for film and television
Job Outlook and Salary Information
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, the projected employment of motion picture camera operators and editors is expected to increase by about nine percent. This projected increase is for the period 2008-2018. The BLS states that the rapid expansion of new forms of entertainment, such as Internet broadcasts and digital movies, will increase the need for camera operators. As of May 2008, the annual median salary of a camera operator was $41,670.
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8 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- Florida (1 campus)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Florida (1 campus)
- Illinois (1 campus)
- Nevada (1)
Classroom-Based Programs
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Georgia (1 campus)
Classroom-Based Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Florida (1 campus)
Classroom-Based Programs
- Associate
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School locations:
- Online Learning
- Arizona (2 campuses)
- California (8)
- Colorado (1)
- Florida (4)
- Georgia (2)
- Illinois (2)
- Indiana (1)
- Kansas (1)
- Massachusetts (1)
- Michigan (1)
- Minnesota (1)
- Missouri (1)
- North Carolina (2)
- Nevada (1)
- Ohio (1)
- Oregon (1)
- Pennsylvania (2)
- South Carolina (1)
- Tennessee (1)
- Texas (5)
- Utah (1)
- Virginia (3)
- Washington (1)
- Wisconsin (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Master
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- Master in Film
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Bachelor
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- Bachelor in Digital Filmmaking & Video Production
- Bachelor in Film & Digital Production
- BS in Digital Cinema & Video Production
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- Bachelor in Sound & Motion Picture Technical Arts
- Bachelor in Entertainment Design
- Bachelor in Photography
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Associate
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- Associate in Digital Filmmaking & Video Production
- Associate of Arts in Photographic Imaging
- Associate of Science - Video Production
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- Associate in Digital Photography
- Associate in Photographic Imaging
- Associate in Audio Production
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Non-Degree
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- Certificate in Audio Production
- Certificate in Photography
- Certificate in Digital Workflow
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- Certificate in Portrait Photography
- Certificate in Studio Photography
- Diploma in Commercial Photography
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Master
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- MA in English and Creative Writing - Screenwriting
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- Bachelor
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Distance Learning Programs
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Non-Degree
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- Career Diploma in Artist: Comprehensive
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Other Schools:
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School locations:
- New York (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Syracuse University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Design and Applied Arts
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Musical Arts
- Photography, Film, and Video
- Cinematography and Film Production
- Photography
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School locations:
- Iowa (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Iowa include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Dance
- Drama and Theatre Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Art
- Musical Arts
- Photography, Film, and Video
- Cinematography and Film Production
- Film and Cinema Studies
